MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno S. Aquino III's point man in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) stressed on Monday that unity and the participation of the region's populace are crucial in the attainment of complete moral renewal, as he urged them for their support.

The point man, ARMM OIC-Gov. Mujiv Hataman conceded that it's difficult for renewal to succeed unless the residents are united.

"Hinihikayat din natin sila sa kanilang aktibong partisipasyon sa pagpapatakbo ng gobyernong ito upang makamit natin ang ganap na pagbabago. Tayo ay naniniwala na mahirap kamtin ang dito sa ARMM ang pagbabago kung hindi magkaisa ang buong residente dito sa ARMM (We are also convincing them to participate actively in running this government. We believe that it's difficult to achieve reform in ARMM if the whole populace does not unite)," Hataman said.

In an interview over DzRH by Dr. Jose Taruc on Monday morning, the new regional chief executive assured residents that his administration is open to provide whatever their needs, and whatever their suggestions to be successful in attaining reform and peace in the region.

"Actually, the framework of our leadership is participation of the people, transparency of the government, and achieving stability," he added.

On the national government's campaign against illegal logging, the ARMM governor said he has deputized the 103rd Infantry Brigade headed by Army Col. Daniel Lucero to help in intercepting all logs that will pass through their jurisdiction.

He also ordered the formation of a stronger Task Force Ranao to address illegal logging in the region.

He said he asked the military to confiscate and hold temporarily all logs that will come through their area for investigation.

Hataman said on the President's directive his administration is focusing on the issue of illegal logging in ARMM, particularly in Lanao del Sur, which arose after the onslaught of tropical storm "Sendong" in Northern Mindanao.

"Actually, our 17 months in office should be focused on putting in order our governance towards transparency to our constituents, for peace and security, and economic development. Sendong's onslaught is an added issue that we have to give special attention because we know the tragedy it caused," he said.

Also Monday, Hataman said he convened in the morning a meeting with community environment and natural resources officer (CENRO) and provincial environment and natural resources officer (PENRO) and other officials of the regional Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

His meeting with them is part of his administration's effort to look into and find out the status of the logging ban in the region, which is composed of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces and Lamitan and Marawi cities.